Journal excerpts

Sitting on the deck of our lodge in the coromandel: 9:00 am -why does such natural beauty evoke such strong emotions? Is that the evidence that our soul is tied in with this world, with mother nature? Perhaps deep down we humans are even aware of how rare these sights are; How the chances of this magnificent world existing are so minuscule that everytime we're looking at a miricale-an explosion of life? Last night after finishing the Tongariro crossing: We made it back to the emerald lakes, but this time using a much more treacherous path. Climbing up ice-covered rocks made for a slow ascent, but a fun one none-the-less! This time I did not feel as though I was about the keel over from exhaustion, making the entire journey much more enjoyable (the last time we went up I began to hyperventilate b/c I was too focused on how tires I was during the incline, but it was fine and the pain was definitely worth it!) I even did a side track up the Tongariro summit which I had to end before I actually reached the top due to the Ivey mountainside and my having improper equipment. I knew it was time to turn back once I started sliding down the mt.twas an incredible journey even still. At the top of one mt., volcano, tall thing, there was a shaft of heat that fanny, Melanie, and I sat in for lunch. The heat came from the ground so if you sat in one place for too long your bum would burn. I decided to attempt my own sort of hangi and duga hole, put my ham and cheese sandwich in it, covered it up. Sure enough, 20 mins later, the edges were toasty and the cheese was warm and melty! Innovation. I toasted my sandwhich in earth's oven! It was another amazing day with unbelievable sights and heaps of adventure. And my body feels well-excercised. All in all, with both days, we hiked/climbed 35+ km. that's roughly 22 mi. Bitch-ass!

My walk above the clouds

I walked above the clouds, where the air smelled of sulphur, and the ground was painted white. -Tongariro pass Although it nearly killed me (the first 6.4 km were steep), I made it to the top of the pass. They always say the hardest things have the greatest rewards and this was no exception. I've only seen pictures of these types of places, and to know that I've now been there is... Well, amazing. The hike took all day, but it was probay my favorite day in new Zealand so far, even with me seriously thinking that I couldn't continue walking. You started in the jungle, entered the mostly barren hillside, and then ascended the snowy peaks at about 16 km up. I'm addicted to mountain hiking now. There is truly nothing more rewarding that I have yet experienced. You round a corner and the snowy landscape took hold of me and became so overwhelmed that I cried, because of its magnificence, because of its rarity, and because I felt like I had really accomplished something. I pushed myself harder than I've ever pushed myself before and I learned the true gift of never giving up-eating your lunch on top on a mountain, with mt. Doom staring down at you' My god, what a day. And tomorrow we climb the other side. Utter brilliance.

Driving south in the north: mussels, sulphur, and flying

I am writing this with my iPhone, now that shows dedication... Not that it would be any faster if I used the French or German laptops, considering their keyboards are all funky. I apologize for my 10 days of silence, but it's quite difficult updating this thing with no computer, and although all my travel companions have computers, I can't borrow any for more than 10 mins due to our greed when it comes to Internet. I've been thinking foundations a lot, if that counts for anything! In my last post I was leaving kerikeri to pursue some day to day adventures, and boy has that come true. We left kerikeri and headed to Auckland for some business stuff-flight info, taxes-and along the way stopped at some gorgeous beaches. That's one of the many things I love about new Zealand, around every turn there's a new beautiful site, and you're never more than 100 km away from the sea (100 km-1 hr). That night in Auckland ky and I met up with some of his friends and we watched in your skin, an Erie spanish thriller with Antonio benderez. Best movie I've seen in awhile, though it did put me on edge a bit. The coromandel was next on our list with a stop at cathedral cove. So far I think the coromandel peninsula is the prettiest place I've been in NZ, which is saying a lot! We chilled out in our own little lodge flat for a couple of days. I woke at sunrise and went for a short kayak paddle around the bay outside our flat-a perfect way to spend a morning! And the previous evening Stefan and I walked through some bush and onto a tree hanging over the bay to watch the sunset-perfect way to spend an evening! After an extremely relaxing couple of days we arrived in Hamilton. There's not much in Hamilton, but we did manage to see the gardens which were pretty cool. Their interpretation of an American garden was spot on! Haha-concrete with a pool, bright yellow lawn chairs, and a giant picture of Marilyn Monroe! My favorite was the Japanese garden, twas quite peaceful. that night ky and Amy hacker took me out for some beer, some chatting, and some mussels! My first mussel was delicious, never thought I would've loved seafood this much. I had to say bye to ky for good this time since he's moving to Australia for a yr or so. It was actually quite sad for me, he's a really cool guy and one of my first friends in new Zealand. I have a feeling our paths will cross again someday though. After unsuccessfully attempting to leave the hostel without paying (not my idea), we visited Hobbiton. 'nuff said. From there we went to mt. Manganui (tauranga) and climbed to the top at sunset, which was beautiful, but I was honestly more intrigued with the view of the city. It was like looking down from a plane. After our descent, Stefan and I decided to walk home along the beach, and I told him of how when I was youngeri used to believe I could control the waves and of my fear of the ocean at night. We both agreed that we missed our friends heaps, but that ultimately this time is about ourselves as individuals and that hopefully within the next couple of weeks all of us traveling together will become much closer. Onto Rotorua and with that, the best hostel in new Zealand and a very rotten eggy smell! The hostel was called funky green backpackers and if you ever come to NZ, stay there!! The owners are wonderful and it truly feels like a home rather than a hostel. They had funny, intriguing, quirky, and beautiful pictures and posters up everywhere, including a picture of bush saying "miss me yet?" ;-). A roaring fire coupled with a beautiful sun room meant it was hard actually leaving the hostel to go do touristy things! Oh yeah, and it smelled exactly like the racer-rice's place. But we went out there and saw the geothermal volcanic areas. I saw my 1st geyser, lady Knox, and then went to the moon! At least it seemed that way. There was a giant cloud over the entire park which kind of sucked but it helped you forget you were on this planet. The colors formed by the chemicals were amazing-bright green, yellow, orange. And as I was walking along, inside the cloud, on top of an active volcanic area, it truly was like being on a totally diff. Planet. I loved it-being alone. Later, we went to the night market which had heaps of fantastic looking food, but our hostel owner recommended "the best brownies in the world," and he's travelled, so I had to take him up on it and boy do I agree! Delicious!! There were live bands playing, most of which were just cute older people playing ukulele, but that added to the fun. I taught fanny and Melanie the joe dance, which they found very amusing. It was a good night, topped off with piers, Stefan and I going to the hot springs spa which are outdoor pools that look out over the star-dabbled lake rotorua. A sad farewell to our funky green hostel led to an exciting 200 km free fall for piers and I. Yup! I did it! Skydive=pwned. Unfortunately they did have to weigh me beforehand, therefore I'm now aware of exactly how much weight I've gained. I'm 58 kilos, so I've gained about 24 lbs in this country. I blame my poor status. It's the backpackers way to eat everything in sight since you never know if you'll have enough food later (even though you always do). It sucks... I resent my new figure and am honestly mildly worried about coming home and seeing all my friends because of it. My self image is absolutely shit right now, but I try to push my thoughts about that away and focus on my daily activities and just know that once I get home I'll have plenty of time to get somewhat back in shape. But still, it's hard to get used to. I'm extremely angry with my body just all of a sudden slowing it's metabolism! Grr.. Anyway... The skydive was EPIC! I recommend everyone do one before they cease to exist. Although the filming was annoying to me... I'm glad I've got the footage, but it was too invasive for me-wasn't candid at all and made me feel like I had to perform in some way... Which is why I look so retarded in the video, but hey, forgive me-it's a little awkward being strapped to another person for so long while you're quickly becoming motion sick and he's going: smile, look at the camera! Erg. Didn't take too much away though. There's nothing like flying. I'm ending this post now so that you don't get TOO bogged down. Next up: some serious thoughts on the backpacking life.

A couple treats

Skydive?

Bon Voyage!

That IS what the cake read last night. Chocolate and beet root made by Emily for Piers, Steffan, Fanny, Melanie, and I since we're leaving Kerikeri tomorrow. Damn was it good.

It has been a whirlwind two months and although I am excited to begin my travels, I feel as though I'm leaving home AGAIN. My last day of work was yesterday and I should be ecstatic, however, I will miss my fellow packhouse workers, especially Diego... he was one fine specimen. :)
Driving away from Orangewood felt a little like driving away from BGHS on the last day of school. I realized while spending 10 hours with nothing but my thoughts  while grading kiwifruit, that I haven't had many scenarios yet in which I leave a way of life and know it will never again go back to that. Hmm, that sounded convoluted, but basically when I left high school, that was the closest thing to what I feel now. Except that now I'm not only leaving a job, I'm also leaving a family, a home, and a town that I am certain I will never come back to. (If I do come back to kerikeri it will not be with the same family.)

Because,as usual, I spent far too much time elsewhere ont he internet, I am INCREDIBLY antsy, I am going to sum up my two months with a list. Though, know that I am very angry with myself for not doing some serious writing. I haven't actually sat down to really write since I was back home in the states.

-made friends with people from all over the world: Germany, France, England, Japan, Scotland, Wales, Canada, Belgium, New Zealand, America, Korea, Chile, Peru, and plenty more.

-learned how to say "I am a dirty girl" in 6 different languages... watashiwa ko akuma American des; je suis une cochonne... etc.

-earned about 3000 dollars at my first job working in a Kiwifruit pack house, learning to enjoy even the shittiest of jobs.

-learned to live on my own. When I was sick, there was no one there to tuck me in; when I was tired, there was no one there to run my errands; when I hungry, there was no one there to make my food. Responsibility that you do not learn while going to school. Being thousands of miles from home does have its teaching advantages.

-often felt like I was in whoville while at work, since many of the older women working there look exactly like whos...

-bought my first alcohol,, mostly wine, but last night added finally went to the liquor store and made Kiwifruit vodka.

-fell in love with backpacking. It's hard, often, however, being around people with so many different backgrounds is really amazing and eye-opening. I'm learning things I never even thought about. For instance, in Korea, they don't have singular birthdays. Everyone gains a year on the  new year. My friend, Solin, is 23 in Korea, but here is actually only 21. I also know how to make Korean pancakes.

-Tried Genepi, a french drink from the swiss mountains. Delicious.

-Added some kiwi language to my speaking. I now add "as" to the end of everything without even thinking: sweet as, sick as, hard as.

-got engaged to a samoan kiwi boy with a large fro. ;)

-sat on top of a waterfall

-gained a SHITTON of weight

-went skinny dipping by myself in a stream during a hike

-learned how to cook steak

-witnessed a haka

-went on lots of hikes, some that lasted 3 hours or more.

--realized how much I miss farming...walking home from work one day, I passed a field of cows and was astounded with how nostalgic I became.

-learned that you really cannot run away from any of your problems...not even a little bit.

-was given numerous amazing compliments that boosted my life:
"you're probably the coolest girl I've ever met"
"I read your facebook timeline, and you are so cool! :)"
"How can you have ugly days when you're one of the prettiest women out there"
"I told this to everyone else here, and you know I don't lie, but when the girls get dressed up to go out, you're always the hottest"
"You should be a model" x 20
"If I hadn't have met you, I wouldn't have ever layed under the stars just chatting with someone, and my life wouldn't be complete."
"It sucks that you're leaving, I don't like many people, but I actually like you! You're the only person here no one can talk shit about. You don't gossip too much, you're really nice and polite yet you still stand up for yourself."

-bought dinner with my own hard earned money

-fell in love with a Chilean man...

-danced the night away in bars in Kerikeri

-had an adventure I couldn't have even dreamed of.

-plenty plenty more

I will miss you, Kerikeri, and this life I've been living. Onto more day to day adventures and the cold south.

...I wonder if I will ever be called Kentucky again...

The adventure commences (soon)

I now have a plan out of here!! WOOHOOOOOO.

As much as I love Kerikeri, and feel comfortable here, I'm ready for why I truely came to New Zealand. May 16 Steffan, Piers, Fanny, Melanie and I head to Auckland for a couple days to plan the next step of our journey, the south Island, and for me to organize all my travel to and from Fiji.

I think once I stop work, I'll be able to really enjoy this country. Not that I don't enjoy it now, it's just that once I get home from work EVERYDAY, I've already had a 12 hour day and am exhausted. But hey, I'll be leaving here with close to 2000 dollars in my bank, plus a little extra from home due to all the changes in my travel.

My trip will be shorter than planned which I have very mixed feelings about... but it comes down to the fact that I was asked to come home earlier, and in this situation, there is now way I would say no.

And it'll be really fuckin nice to take a bath. :)

I'll keep everyone updated as best I can. Over the next week I will still be working, so don't expect to hear much until perhaps the 15 or later.

I need to go figure out what to do with a 10 Kg bag of potatoes...

Much love!

The Forgotten Adventures

In my lastr post I made it seem as though nothing has happened within the past month, however, as soon as I walked away from the computer I remembered many many things I could have written about.

Such as going to Cafe Jerusalem with Gigi and the french twins where I got the best falafel in Northland and paid for it with my own hard earned money. It was a lovely night. And when I came out of the room to say bye to those sitting around the hostel, they all asked who I was going out on a date with. :p

I aided in splitting up a scottish couple who had ben together for 2.5 years. That was a little overwhleming and I can tell more about that when I have more time. Just know girls are sluts and my tall german and I are barely even friends anymore. Way too much hone heke drama.

I've gained a LOT of weight and my clothes no longer fit all that well... I even broke the zipper on my jeans. Damn you alcohol! So, I'm going to tyr to start an excercise routine to get back in shape.

I would walk home from work which was about 1.5 hours away and that was a really amazing walk. Lots of countryside, cows, and one rainy day a perfect rainbow. Unfortunetly I started working 10 hour days and get out of work when it's already dark so no more walks. :(

I leave Kerikeri within two weeks. I'm nervous and excited. Although kerikeri became my home, not a whole lotta good has com eout of it for anyone... I think veryone at the lodge would agree with that! hahaha.

Close to 1500 in my savings.

DAMN YOU INTERNET TIMER!

I must go.

LOVE SENT!